Multiple Sclerosis Profile [Test in Focus]

Audio Interview

Testing

When to Order

Specimen

Performance

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Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease characterized by visual, motor, and sensory disturbances. The diagnosis of MS is dependent on clinical, radiological, and laboratory findings. The detection of increased intrathecal immunoglobulin (Ig) synthesis is the basis for current diagnostic laboratory tests for MS. These tests include the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) IgG index and CSF oligoclonal band detection.

Maria Willrich, Ph.D., gives an overview of the new MSP3 test available through Mayo Clinic Laboratories. She discusses when this testing should be ordered, how this testing compares to previous testing approaches, and what clinical action can be taken due to the results of this testing.

Testing

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Profile, Serum and Spinal Fluid (Mayo ID: MSP3)

Useful for:

• Diagnosing multiple sclerosis, especially helpful in patients with equivocal clinical or radiological findings

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type >

CSF, Serum

Specimen Required 

Both serum and spinal fluid are required. Spinal fluid must be obtained within 1 week of serum draw.

Specimen Type: Serum

Container/Tube:

Preferred: Red top

Acceptable: Serum gel

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions: Label specimen as serum.

Specimen Type: Spinal fluid

Container/Tube: Sterile vial

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions: Label specimen as spinal fluid

Performance Information

Day(s) and Time(s) Test Performed

Monday through Saturday; 7 a.m.-12 p.m.

Analytic Time

3 days

Alyssa Frank

Alyssa Frank is a Marketing Segment Manager at Mayo Clinic Laboratories. She leads marketing strategies for product management and specialty testing. Alyssa has worked at Mayo Clinic since 2015.